U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S OCHA Weekly Report: 5 – 11 September 2007 | 1
€ OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS P.O. Box 38712, East Jerusalem, Phone: (+972) 2-582 9962 / 582 5853, Fax: (+972) 2-582 5841 [email protected], www.ochaopt.org
Protection of Civilians Weekly Report 5 – 11 September 2007 Of note this week Gaza Strip: • The IDF killed 11 Palestinians (including one child) and injured 18 others (including two children). • 61 Palestinians were injured in incidents of internal conflict. • 13 Qassam rockets and 38 mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. One rocket and five mortars exploded in the Palestinian area. On 11 September, Islamic Jihad and the Palestinian Resistance Committees (PRC) claimed responsibility for firing two Qassams from east of Sheikh Zayed City towards Israel; as a result, and according to Israeli media, 69 IDF soldiers sustained injuries when one Qassam rocket hit an IDF training base near Kibbutz Zikkim.
West Bank: • The IDF injured 23 Palestinians, including 13 children. One of the children was injured by plastic-coated metal bullets during clashes between the IDF and Palestinian stone- throwers and died of his injuries four days later. Three IDF soldiers and six Israeli policemen were also injured in Nablus and Jerusalem, respectively. • Three Palestinian boys (aged 12, 13, and 16 years) were physically assaulted and injured by Israeli settlers in the H2 area of Hebron City. • 8 September: All PA institutions in the northern West Bank, except for the education and health sectors, closed their doors for one hour in protest against Hamas actions in the Gaza Strip. • 9 September: Palestinian security forces injured three students and two journalists and arrested at least seven others after the security forces prevented the Hebron University’s student council from holding a press conference outside the University to protest the lack of student loans and an expected tuition hike. • Following the Israeli High Court of Justice ruling on 4 September stipulating that parts of the Barrier route in Bil’in village be redrawn, partially dismantled, and rebuilt, demonstrations continued in protest against the Barrier construction in the village. • 11 September: The Israeli DCL in Hebron Governorate informed the Palestinian Ministry of Al Awqaf of its intention to prevent the access of Muslims to the Ibrahimi Mosque on 13, 14, 19, and 22 September and on 1 October. The mosque will be open to Jewish settlers celebrating Jewish holidays.
Palestinian and Israeli conflict related casualties:1
100
50
0 Injuries Deaths Children Women Palestinians 44 12 2 - Israelis 78 0 - - Internationals 00- -
1 Excluding Palestinian-Palestinian internal violence and other ‘indirect’ conflict related incidents reported in Section 2.
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1. Physical Protection – conflict related casualties
Gaza Strip: • 06 September: In two separate incidents, three armed Palestinians (Hamas members; aged 21, 24, and 30 years) were killed and another nine were injured during an IDF ground operation in Al Qarrara area east of Khan Younis (Khan Younis). • 06 September: Six Palestinians (members of Islamic Jihad and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades; aged 21, 22, 23(3), and 24 years) were killed during an exchange of fire with IDF soldiers inside one of IDF’s military bases that was attacked by armed Palestinians east of Al Maghazi Camp (Central Gaza). • 06 September: A 22-year-old armed Palestinian (Hamas member) was killed and another four Palestinians were injured during an IDF military operation east of Khan Younis (Khan Younis). • 08 September: A 16-year-old boy was shot dead by IDF soldiers situated south of Karni reportedly because he was present in a restricted IDF area (Gaza). • 11 September: 69 IDF soldiers were injured when a Qassam rocket fired from east of Sheikh Zayed city in Beit Lahiya hit their military base near Kibbutz Zikkim. • 11 September: Five Palestinians, including two children aged 7 and 13 years, were injured when a surface-to-surface missile fired by the IDF hit their house east of Beit Lahiya (Gaza North).
Other incidents (not involving casualties/damage): • 05 September: Ten IDF armored vehicles entered about 200 meters into the Palestinian area southeast of Beit Hanoun (Al Farratta area). Palestinian armed men fired two anti- tank missiles at IDF soldiers who responded with heavy shooting. No injuries were reported. IDF soldiers withdrew six hours later (North Gaza). • 08 September: An exchange of fire that lasted ten minutes erupted between IDF soldiers and armed Palestinians (affiliated with Islamic Jihad) east of Jabaliya. No injuries were reported (North Gaza).
West Bank: • 5 September: Three IDF soldiers were injured in Nablus City during a search campaign when an explosive device exploded near their group (Nablus). • 5 September: A 32-year-old Palestinian was physically assaulted and injured at the eastern (DCO) entrance to Qalqiliya City (Qalqiliya). • 6 September: Two Palestinians (aged 15 and 16 years) were injured in ‘Azzun village by rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian stone-throwers (Qalqiliya). • 6 September: Two Palestinians (aged 14 and 15 years) were injured in Jenin City by plastic-coated metal bullets during clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian stone- throwers (Jenin). • 7 September: Two Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated metal bullets when the IDF opened fire at Palestinian, international and Israeli activists demonstrating against the Barrier constructed in Bil’in village. Several cases of tear gas inhalation were reported (Ramallah). • 8 September: Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli Police in Jabal Al Mukabir neighbourhood and the Israeli Police responded by firing tear gas canisters. Six policemen were reportedly injured as a result (Jerusalem). • 8 September: A 30-year-old Palestinian was physically assaulted and injured by the IDF in Nablus City during a search and arrest campaign (Nablus). • 9 September: A 20-year-old Palestinian man was injured in ’Azzun village by shrapnel during clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian stone-throwers (Qalqiliya). • 9 September: A 28-year-old Palestinian was physically assaulted and injured by IDF soldiers at Huwwara checkpoint (Nablus). • 10 September: A 14-year-old Palestinian boy died of injuries sustained on 6 September during clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian stone-throwers in Jenin City (Jenin). • 10 September: A 38-year-old Palestinian man was injured in Camp No.1 by live ammunition when an IDF undercover unit opened fire at the man and arrested him (Nablus). • 10 September: Three Palestinian boys (aged 12, 13 and 16 years) were injured when a group of four settlers from the settlement of Abraham Avino, located in the H2 area of Hebron City, beat them after they found them swimming in Abraham’s spring (Hebron).
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• 10 September: A 35-year-old Palestinian man from the town of Taffuh was physically assaulted and injured by IDF soldiers during a military operation in the town (Hebron). • 11 September: A Palestinian woman (aged 22 years) was injured by live ammunition and a man (aged 70 years) was physically assaulted and injured in Camp No.1 during a military operation in the camp (Nablus). • 11 September: Nine Palestinian boys were injured in Jenin Camp: six (aged 14(2) and 15(4) years) were injured by plastic-coated metal bullets; two (both aged 16 years) were injured by live ammunition; and one (aged 13 years) was injured by shrapnel when the IDF opened fire at Palestinian stone throwers during a military operation in the camp (Jenin).
2. Physical Protection - other incidents involving casualties2
Gaza Strip: • 05 September: Eight Palestinians were injured by the ESF after ESF members were stoned while attempting to arrest a Fatah member (Rafah). • 06 September: Two Palestinians were injured when a group of ESF members was trying to remove vendors’ stalls from streets east of the Shuija’iya area in Gaza City (Gaza). • 06 September: A Palestinian man (unknown age; Hamas member) died of wounds sustained during armed clashes between the ESF and Zou’rob family on 28 August (Khan Younis). • 08 September: A 23-year-old Palestinian man was killed when a tunnel collapsed east of Jabaliya (Gaza North). • 07 September: A Palestinian man (unknown age) was found killed in the area of the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim (Gaza). • 09 September: An 18-year-old Palestinian man was injured while tampering with an explosive device east of Deir El Balah (Central Gaza). • 09 September: A 28-year-old Palestinian man was shot and injured by the ESF during a dispute between the force and a local family in Khan Younis (Khan Younis). • 09 September: 40 Hamas members surrounded Bloc “J”, conducted a house-search operation, beat eight Fatah members (including two women), and arrested six others (Rafah). • 11 September: An unidentified male corpse was found in the former Netzarim settlement and transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City (Gaza).
Other incidents (not involving casualties): • 05 September: An internal explosion took place at a Hamas military training camp in Rafah, apparently due to a bomb-making exercise. No injuries were reported (Rafah). • 06 September: 200 women organised a sit-in at Al-Aqsa governmental hospital to protest the medical staff strike (Rafah). • 06 September: The ESF stormed Al Hadath press office in Al Bureij Camp and confiscated the offices’ computers and documents (Central Gaza). • 06 September: A new Hamas-affiliated director was appointed as the head of Al Najjar governmental hospital in Rafah (Rafah). • 06 September: About 30,000 Hamas members demonstrated in Gaza City in support of the Hamas Prime Minister’s decision to prevent Fatah members from holding outdoor prayers (Gaza). • 09 September: 20 Palestinians set up a sit-in tent in front of the PLC building in Gaza City to protest the non-issuance of Palestinian identification cards (Gaza). • 08 September: A group of children threw a homemade bomb in an open area west of Al Barazil Quarter. No injuries were reported (Rafah). • 09 September: An internal dispute erupted between two local families during which one family’s house was burnt down. • 10 September: 70 women organised a sit-in at Al Najjar governmental hospital to protest the medical staff strike. The sit-in ended peacefully (Rafah).
2 Casualties recorded in this section relate to Palestinian inter-factional fighting, family and community disputes, reckless use of weapons, and disputed incidents. Also reported in this section are casualties indirectly related to the conflict such as incidents involving Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), traffic accidents between Israeli and Palestinians in the oPt and deaths resulting from delay in receiving medical treatment at a checkpoint or during a military operation/curfew. These casualties are not recorded in the total in Section 1.
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West Bank: • 5 September: A 40-year-old Palestinian man (an officer affiliated with the PA Force 17) was killed in Jenin City by unknown persons. The officer had stopped a stolen vehicle while on duty and then was fired at, which led to an exchange of fire. The case is under investigation (Jenin). • 7 September: A 13-year-old Palestinian boy was injured in Yanun village by unexploded ordnance (UXO) (Nablus). • 9 September: A 14-year-old Palestinian boy was killed with a knife during a fight with his schoolmate in Qalqiliya City (Qalqiliya). • 11 September: A 30-year-old Palestinian man was injured by masked men in Nablus City. The motive is unknown (Nablus).
Other incidents (not involving casualties): • 7 September: In response to a Fatah call for Friday open-air prayers, Palestinians in the Hebron governorate held Friday prayers at a local school (Hebron) while Palestinians in the Bethlehem governorate held similar prayers in front of the Church of Nativity (Bethlehem).
Inter-factional violence Gaza Strip: • 07 September: 14 Palestinian protestors were injured when the ESF opened fire and threw stun grenades to disperse a group of youngsters who had thrown stones at ESF officers stationed in Anwar Aziz yard in Jabaliya to prevent outdoor prayers. The ESF also arrested several other protestors (North Gaza). • 07 September: Three Palestinians were shot and injured by the ESF after a group of unknown gunmen opened fire at ESF members on Salah Ed-Din road in Al Bureij Camp (Central Gaza). • 07 September: The ESF beat and injured 15 protestors and arrested 20 others after a group of 700 Fatah supporters demonstrated against Hamas in Al Bureij Camp. Protestors set-up barricades on Salah El-Din road and burned tires (Central Gaza). • 07 September: Seven people were injured when the ESF opened fire in the direction of a group of youngsters who threw stones at the ESF in Khan Younis (Khan Younis). • 07 September: Two people were shot and injured and another ten were beaten when the ESF was trying to prevent Fatah supporters from organizing outdoor prayers in Rafah (Rafah).
Other incidents (not involving casualties): • 08 September: The ESF sought to arrest one of Ahmed Abu Al Reesh Brigades leaders in Al Bureij Camp but he managed to escape (Central Gaza). • 09 September: The ESF attempted to arrest a Fatah activist from his workshop but he escaped when residents threw stones at the ESF. No injuries were reported (Rafah). • 11 September: Hamas members occupied the house of the Minister of Prisoners Affairs west of Jabaliya. The minister had left to Ramallah with his family (North Gaza).
West Bank: • 9 September: Three Palestinians (aged 19, 20 and 22 years; Hebron University students) from the towns of Yatta and Ash Shyoukh were physically assaulted and injured by Palestinian security forces while they were holding a press conference in front of Hebron University to protest the lack of student loans and an expected tuition hike. The student council (with a Hamas majority) was previously prevented by the university administration from holding the conference inside the university, hence their decision to hold it off campus. During the clashes, Palestinian security forces beat a number of protestors (Hebron). • 9 September: Two Palestinian journalists (aged 32 and 48 years) from Hebron City were physically assaulted and injured by Palestinian security forces while they were covering the events at Hebron University (Hebron).
Other incidents (not involving casualties): • 6 September: Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Hebron City distributed a declaration to condemn the actions of Hamas in Gaza and warned against a spill-over of the events to the West Bank (Hebron). • 9 September: Approximately 100 Hamas supporters burnt tires and attacked Al Haras Police Station in retaliation for events at the University earlier in the day (Hebron).
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• 9 September: High school students from the town of Sa’ir demonstrated against Hamas and the ESF affiliated with it (Hebron). • 10 September: Members of Hizb Al Tahreer (Liberation Party) demonstrated in front of the Directorate of Education in Hebron City in protest against allowing the Anglican School to continue to function. Hizb Al Tahreer contended that during the 2006-2007 school year the Anglican school had a hidden mission of converting its mostly Muslim student population to Christianity (Hebron).
3. Shelter and Property
Table 1: Structures Demolished/Damaged by the Israeli Authorities (IDF, Border Police, Civil Administration…etc) and Israeli Settlers Location, Structures Structures People People Date Governorate demolished damaged displaced affected Balata Camp, 5 September 2007 1 - - N/A Nablus Camp No.1, 11 September 2007 - 6 - N/A Nablus Rakhma, 11 September 2007 2 - - 10 Bethlehem Total 3 6 - 10
• 5 September: One room was burnt in Balata Camp when IDF soldiers threw a sound grenade during a search campaign (Nablus). • 11 September: The IDF damaged some of the internal walls and some furniture in five houses as well as the main door of a shop in Camp No.1 during a search campaign (Nablus). • 11 September: The IDF demolished two rooms (each with an area of 50 m2) used for agricultural purposes in the village of Rakhma (Bethlehem).
Other incidents (not involving demolitions/property damage): • 5 September: The IDF forcibly entered Yazur charitable association in Balata Camp and confiscated computers and files (Nablus). • 9 September: The IDF forcibly entered the offices of the Village Council in Bir Nabala and confiscated computers and documents (Jerusalem). • 11 September: Israeli settlers from settlements in the H2 area of Hebron City took over the roof of Al Aqbat Mosque (located adjacent to the Abraham Avino settlement) and began construction work on the rooftop of the mosque (Hebron).
Ongoing incidents (not involving demolitions/property damage): • 25 April to date: The IDF continues to occupy the fourth floor of a four-storey Palestinian office building in Huwwara (Nablus) and has converted it into an observation post to monitor Road 60. The offices have nonetheless continued to operate (Nablus).
Internal Violence Incidents Affecting Shelter and Property: • 10 September: A qroup of gunmen from Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades closed the prisoners club in Nablus City, claiming that the club does not provide adequate services to prisoners (Nablus). • 10 September: A group of unknown persons opened fire at the house of a Preventative Security officer in the town of Ash Shyoukh. The assailants sped towards the town of Sa’ir. Minor damage was reported to the officer’s house (Hebron). • 11 September: PA security forces forcibly entered At Tadamun charitable association in Nablus City and confiscated computers and files (Nablus).
4. Natural Resources
Land levelling/Requisitions/Tree Uprooting3 Nablus Governorate: Ongoing incident: − 8 August to date: The IDF continues construction work to upgrade the lanes at Beit Iba checkpoint. − 15 January to date: The IDF continues to level eight dunums of land near Huwwara checkpoint to expand the checkpoint. The land belongs to Palestinians
3 4 dunums = 1 acre; 10 dunums = 1 hectare
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from Burin village and was requisitioned on 10 July 2005 (Military Order T/106/05).
Jenin Governorate: No incidents to report. Tubas Governorate: No incidents to report.
Tulkarm Governorate: Ongoing incident: − Land levelling continues around Avne Hefez and Enav settlements for the construction of a new fence.
Qalqiliya Governorate: Ongoing incident: − 13 August to date: The IDF continues to carry out land leveling to build a military road connecting Qedumim settlement to road 55, in accordance with military requisition order T/15/07. The land belongs to farmers from Kafr Qaddum village. − Barrier construction: land levelling and construction work continue near Immatin village, between ‘Azzun and Kafr Thulth, and between ‘Azzun and Kafr Laqif.
Salfit Governorate: No incidents to report.
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − Barrier construction: • Barrier construction on Palestinian land extending between Rantis (northwest of Ramallah governorate) and Beit Nuba (southwest of Ramallah governorate) is complete, except for Al Midya-Ni’lin section. • Barrier construction between Al Midya and Ni’lin has been planned but is pending a decision by the Israeli High Court of Justice based on appeals submitted by Ni’lin village residents and Hashmon’im settlers (each side is demanding that the barrier be pushed closer to the other side). • Construction continues on ‘Abud land to encircle Beit Arye and Ofarim settlements as part of the extension of the “Ariel finger.” Construction is taking place around the two settlements and parallel to bypass Road 564. The Barrier will isolate 3,800 dunums of the village land. − Construction of three “fabric of life” roads, which is part of an Israeli plan to build alternative roads for Palestinians in lieu of the main roads that have become closed due to closures and Barrier construction: • Construction continues at a fast pace of a new road between Rantis and Shuqba, parallel to bypass Road 465. • Construction continues of a road between Beit Liqya and Beit ‘Anan. • Construction continues of a road between Beit ‘Ur al Fauqa and Tira via an underpass under Road 443. • Land levelling continues in order to construct a road between Beit Ur at Tahta and Beituniya. − 4 September: The Israeli High Court of Justice ordered the State of Israel to redraw, partially dismantle and rebuild the route of a 1.7 kilometer section of the West Bank barrier, which was built on land belonging to the village of Bili'in. Once accomplished, this re-routing will allow Bil’in residents to access 1,100 dunums of land they have been deprived of since the construction of the barrier in their village.
Jerusalem Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − Barrier construction: • Construction continues along the projected route in the Jerusalem governorate. Exceptions to this are northeast of Al 'Eizariya towards Ma’ale Adummim settlement. Construction has been stopped along a 3 km stretch of the Barrier south of Ma’ale Adummim and Kedar since 3 March 2006 pending a court case. • Construction near Ar Ram checkpoint between Dahiyat Al Bareed and Atarot is complete. One detour route between the neighbourhoods of Ar
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Ram and Dahiyat Al Bareed remains possible but the Barrier will soon seal off this neighbourhood entirely from Ar Ram and the West Bank. The iron gate between Ar Ram and Dahiyet Al Bareed was closed all week for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, so all vehicular traffic took the detour route through Dahiyet Al Bareed neighbourhood. Additional construction and infrastructure continues to be carried out on the remaining parts of the Barrier. It is planned that the gate will be used by Israeli security patrol vehicles and will not be open for humanitarian cases in the future. • The construction of a road barrier continues on Road 1 east of Az Za’ayyem. − Construction of an Israeli police station (two large buildings) in E1 is ongoing. E1, or East 1, is an area north of Ma’ale Adummim and Road 1. Major infrastructure work is being carried out on the hill around the two buildings in preparation for building the roads that will lead to the police station. − The road between Anata and Al ‘Eizariya is under construction (Road 70). Another road (Road 80) is planned that will link Abu Dis to Road 1 east of the planned Barrier around Ma’ale Adummim. The road will be open for Palestinians only and is part of the “fabric of life” roads planned by the Israeli authorities.
Jericho Governorate: No incidents to report.
Bethlehem Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − Barrier construction: • Construction continues next to Al Khadr Boys School along the eastern side of Road 60 adjacent to the school playground. • Land levelling continues in the section of Road 60 between the Palestinian village of Al Khadr and Al Nashshash (southern entrance of Bethlehem City). • Asphalting continues west of Wadi Rahhal village and near the settlement of Efrata for the construction of the Barrier. • Sections of the Barrier have been placed in the vicinity of Har Gilo settlement and alongside Road 60. − The expanded Tunnels checkpoint is operational. Land levelling has taken place on both sides of the road leading to Beit Jala at the intersection with Road 60. − Land levelling and digging for the construction of the underpass near Al Khadr village has continued. The initial construction of the underpass is complete but land levelling is currently being carried out to construct the underpass lanes. − Land levelling continues along west of Road 60 leading to the western villages. − Land levelling continues for the construction of the new terminal next to Al Jab’a checkpoint. − Construction work at Nu'man terminal is ongoing. − Land levelling is on-going east of the Gush Etzion checkpoint.
Hebron Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − Barrier construction: construction continues west of Eshkolot settlement. − Land levelling, including paving continues west of the checkpoint of Tarqumiya for a new commercial checkpoint.
Gaza Strip: − 05 September: Eight IDF armoured vehicles entered about 500 metres into the Palestinian area southeast of Beit Hanoun to conduct a leveling and excavation operation (Gaza North). − 05 September: Five IDF armored vehicles entered about 200 meters into the Palestinian area north of Beit Lahiya. IDF soldiers were deployed in the former Nissanit settlement north of the Bedouin village. IDF bulldozers leveled and excavated land in the area (Gaza North). − 06 September: Four IDF tanks and two bulldozers entered into Al Qarrara area east of Khan Younis. Bulldozers leveled and excavated land (Khan Younis). − 06 September: Three IDF tanks and one bulldozer moved from the border fence and entered about 200 meters into the Palestinian area east of Al Maghazi to conduct a leveling and excavation operation (Central Gaza).
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− 09 September: IDF soldiers entered 200 meters into the Palestinian area east of Rafah to conduct a leveling and excavation operation (Rafah). − 11 September: Ten IDF tanks and two bulldozers entered about 1,200 meters into the Philadelphia corridor south of Rafah. The IDF bulldozers leveled and excavated land in the area, bulldozing five greenhouses (Rafah). 5. Access and Movement for Civilians a) Incidents of curfews
Table 2: Incidents of Curfew Imposed by the IDF Date Location, Governorate Duration 6 September 2007 The Old City section of H2 area of Hebron City 2 hours Total Week 2 HOURS
• 6 September: The IDF imposed curfew on the Old City section of the H2 area of Hebron City between 9:30 and 11:30 PM. IDF soldiers used loud speakers to summon males between 18 and 35 years of age in front of the Ibrahimi Mosque. IDF soldiers took photographs of the males, physically searched them, and demanded that they identify their places of residence. Some detainees were served papers to appear at the Israeli Intelligence Services (Hebron).
Ongoing incidents: − 17 May to date: Palestinians living in Gaza Strip areas (north east of Beit Hanoun and north, and northwest of Beit Lahiya) continue to maintain a self-imposed curfew after dark due to IDF military operations. b) Access to education − During the reporting period, the Israeli Border Police manning Ar Ramadin checkpoint prevented and/or delayed school teachers who are not residents of Ar Ramadin from accessing their work in the village school (Hebron). − During the reporting period, the IDF and Israeli Police escorting Palestinian students from their homes in Tuba and Magayar Al Abid to their elementary school in At Tuwani (southern Hebron) and vice versa came on time to meet the students. This escorting service has been provided since 2004 to protect the students from attacks by Israeli settlers from the Ma’on settlement (Hebron). c) Access to employment − Throughout the week, Palestinian workers from the Governorate of Hebron holding valid permits to work in Israel were obliged to stay overnight in front of the Meitar checkpoint, located south of the town of Adh Dhahiriya (Hebron), in order to reach their workplaces inside Israel on time. This checkpoint is the only checkpoint in the Governorate of Hebron that can be used by Palestinian workers to reach their work places inside Israel. It is manned by the Israeli Border Police and checks are conducted using palm identification. Similarly, Palestinian workers from the Governorate of Bethlehem holding valid work permits were obliged to stay overnight at Gilo checkpoint in order to cross and reach their work places inside Israel. Ongoing incidents: − Since 12 March 2006, Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip have been prevented from entering Israel. − In the West Bank, all Palestinians must apply to the DCL offices in the Jerusalem peripheries to obtain Israeli permits. The criteria for people to be eligible for an Israeli permit are similar for both workers and traders; a Palestinian should be above 35 years of age, married with at least one child, and with no security file. d) Closures/movement restrictions
5 – 7 September: The IDF imposed an age restriction on Palestinians aged 16 to 35 years (both males and females) from Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm and Tubas that prevents them from travelling from the northern West Bank southwards through all the checkpoints.
Nablus Governorate: 9 September: The IDF closed Beit Iba checkpoint for four hours after arresting a boy carrying an explosive device. Ongoing incidents: − 28 March to date: The IDF continues to close Shave Shomron checkpoint (Nablus) for all Palestinians, ambulances, UN and international organisations.
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− 29 August to date: The IDF continues to close ‘Asira ash Shamaliya checkpoint (Nablus) for all except ambulances in emergency cases.
Jenin Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − 30 August 2006 to date: The IDF have continued to allow 40 commercial trucks (with a freight load of under two tonnes) to transport food products to Barta’a enclave. A list with the plate numbers of the trucks is present at the checkpoint. Other materials require prior coordination.
Tubas Governorate: No incidents to report.
Tulkarm Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − 24 May to date: The IDF continues to close the dirt road connecting Dhinnaba to Izbat abu Khameish with two earth mounds.
Qalqiliya Governorate: Previous reporting period, 3 September: The IDF opened the main northern entrance to ‘Azzun village. The entrance had been closed with concrete blocks since 20 August. Ongoing incidents: − 18 May to date: The IDF continues to close the road connecting Izbat at Tabib with ‘Azzun and ‘Asla villages with an earth mound. − 13 July to date: The IDF soldiers positioned at the flying checkpoint placed at the eastern entrance of Qalqiliya City (DCO) continue to prevent Arab Israelis to enter Qalqiliya City.
Salfit Governorate: Ongoing incidents: − The IDF continues to close the gate at the northern entrance of Kafr ad Dik.
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate: During the reporting period: Traffic jams and delays of up to 60 minutes were reported at ‘Atara checkpoint on a daily basis due to the slow checking of vehicles by the Israeli Border Police. Ongoing incidents: − 1 July to date The Road gate of At Tira (Ramallah) opens three times a day for half an hour each time. The gate will be used by the residents travelling in Palestinian-plated taxis to enter/exit the village—only 11 Palestinian taxis were permitted to cross and travel on Road 443.
Jerusalem Governorate: No incidents to report.
Jericho Governorate/Jordan Valley: Ongoing incidents: − 14 September 2006 to date: The IDF has announced that only Palestinians with Jericho residency, Jerusalem ID-holders, and residents of Bethlehem and Hebron, would be able to exit via the Jericho DCO checkpoint, forcing all others to either request a permit or to travel on the Al Mu’arrajat old road to reach the rest of the West Bank. Palestinians employed by international organisations, humanitarian workers and residents of Abu Dis, Ash Sheikh Sa'd, Al 'Eizariya, Az Za'ayyem and As Sawahira village are allowed to exit Jericho via the DCO checkpoint. − 9 January to date: Bisan checkpoint has been open for Palestinian merchants from the Jordan Valley and Jericho to export their agricultural produce into Israel using a back-to-back system. Palestinians from the West Bank in possession of BMC cards (trader permits) in addition to an Israeli permit, are allowed through this checkpoint into Israel. Palestinians working for international organisations continue to be prohibited from using Bisan checkpoint. − 26 April to date: Access of Palestinians to the Jordan Valley continued at the improved level previously reported. Movement from the West Bank continues to be controlled through the four main checkpoints: Tayasir, Hamra, Ma’ale Efraim and Yitav. A personal permit is no longer required to enter the Jordan Valley for
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West Bank residents. Access is only possible with public transportation as West Bank private vehicles continue to be prohibited from entering the Jordan Valley.
Bethlehem Governorate: No incidents to report. Hebron Governorate: 9 September: IDF soldiers have placed a new military tower overlooking Road 35 and a new gate in the area of Farsh Al Hawa in the H1 area of Hebron City (Hebron).
Gaza Strip Functioning of Gaza crossing points: - Erez was open all week for senior Palestinian businessmen as well as the movement of diplomats, international humanitarian workers, and critical medical cases with special coordination arrangements. However, since 4 July and for the first time since 12 June, a very limited number of senior Palestinian businessmen were permitted to cross Erez to Israel and the West Bank. (Appendix for daily log of movement is based on estimated figures due to the absence of staff at the Palestinian DCL at present). - Rafah crossing was closed this week - Karni crossing: the conveyor belt operated for two days to transfer grains and animal feed into Gaza (6 and 11 September). However, the crossing has remained generally closed for other imports and all exports. Karni has been closed since 12 June. - Sufa crossing was open on all scheduled operating days this week for the crossing of commercial goods and humanitarian aid. However, the crossing remains closed for all construction materials. - Kerem Shalom was open on four days for the crossing of commercial and humanitarian goods. On 11 September, the crossing was closed for security reasons as the IDF stated. - Nahal Oz energy pipelines were open on six scheduled operating days. - Gaza fishermen are permitted to fish up to six nautical miles off the coastline.
Ongoing incidents: − Following Israel’s unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip in September 2005, the IDF announced that Palestinians should keep a distance of at least 150 metres from the perimeter fence along the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza Strip. − On 28 December 2005, the IDF declared the former northern settlement bloc to be a “no-go” zone. Officially, entry into the area for the 250 residents and international organisations requires prior coordination with the IDF. Since 17 May, IDF presence in this area has been enforcing this ban. - 17 May to date: Palestinian farmers have been unable to reach their farms in the areas east and north Beit Hanoun and north and northwest of Beit Lahia due to ongoing IDF military activities. Palestinian farmers have also been unable to reach farms located east of Al Bureij Camp and east of Khan Younis due to intermittent military operations by the IDF. In total, at least 200 dunums planted with different crops are currently inaccessible since IDF soldiers regularly open fire towards the area. There is a fear that if access obstruction continues more than 1,000 tonnes of potatoes, water melons and onions will rot.
Table 3: Reported IDF Flying (random) Checkpoints in the West Bank Total # of flying Governorate Location, # of flying checkpoints in brackets checkpoints Nablus Talluza (1), ‘Asira ash Shamaliya (1), Deir Sharaf (1) 3 ‘Arraba (3), Al Kufeir (4), Sanur (3), Az Zababida (5), Silat adh Dhahar Jenin 19 (1), As Suweitat (2), Bir al Basha (1) Tubas ‘Aqqaba (1), Tubas (1) 2 Tulkarm Al Jarushiya (1), ‘Illar (1), Ramin (1), Kafr Sur (3) 6 Qalqiliya entrance (DCO) (7), Habla Tunnel (4) , Izbat Jalu’d (7), ‘Azzun Qalqiliya (3), ‘Azzun tunnel (3), Jayyus (2), Immatin (1), An Nabi Elyas (1), Wadi 38 Qana (3), ‘Izbat at Tabib (2), Kafr Thulth (3), Kafr Qaddum (2) Salfit Salfit City (1), Bruqin (2) Iskaka (1), Deir Istiya (1) 5 Ramallah/Al Bireh - 0 Jericho - 0 Jerusalem - 0 Bethlehem Bethlehem (2), Ash Shawareh, Beit Jala (1), Beit Fajjar (1), Al ‘Ubeidiya 12 (3), Dar Salah (2), Doha (1), Tequ’ (2) Hebron H1 Area of Hebron City (4), Sa'ir (2), Dura (3), Yatta (2), Adh Dhahiriya, 12 Halhul (1), Surif Total West Bank 97
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6. Search/Arrests/Detentions
Table 4: Searches, Arrests, and Detentions Conducted by the Israeli Authorities (IDF, Border Police, Civil Administration…etc) Total # of Location of arrests/detention by the IDF, number of Total # of Governorate Arrested/ searches noted at locations within brackets Searches Detained Nablus City (6), Balata RC (4), Camp No.1 (5), ‘Askar Nablus 19 16 RC (2), Kafr Qalil (2), Beit Iba CP, Huwwara CP Jenin City (5), Jenin Camp (4), Qabatiya (4), Meithalun Jenin (1), Az Zababida (1) Sanur flying CP, Az Zababida fling 15 7 CP Tubas Tubas (1), Tammun (1), Tubas flying CP 2 1 Tulkarm (3), Iktaba (3), Tulkarm Camp (1), Nur Shams Tulkarm 9 13 Camp (1), Bal’a (1), Kafriat Tunnel CP Qalqiliya (6), ‘Azzun (6), Habla (2), Jayyus (2), Kafr Qalqiliya 22 5 Qaddum (1), Kafr Thulth (1), Kafr Laqif (1), Jit (3) Salfit - Ramallah Kharbatha al Misbah (1), Turmusa’yya (1), Shuqba (1) 3 18 Jericho - 0 0 Jerusalem - 0 0 Bethlehem Bethlehem (2), Beit Jala (1), Duheisha RC (2), Al Azza RC (1), Beit Fajjar (1), Ad Doha (1), Dar Salah, 11 6 Obeidiya (2), Ayda RC (1) Hebron H1 Area of Hebron City (4), Dura (3), Yatta (2), Kharas, Sa'ir (3), Adh Dhahiriya (1), Nuba, Idna (2), As ‘Samu 17 24 (1), Khursa, Taffuh (1) Total Week West Bank 98 90 Gaza Strip Khan Younis1 Al Qarara (1, unknown number) 1 N/A Rafah East of Rafah (1, 1) 1 1 Total Gaza Strip 2 1+ Total oPt 100 91+ 1 On 06 September, four IDF tanks and two bulldozers entered into Al Qarrara area east of Khan Younis, conducted a house-search operation, and arrested an unknown number of people (Khan Younis). On 07 September, an IDF undercover unit entered more than two kilometers into the Palestinian area east of Rafah, surrounded the home of one Hamas senior activist (aged 32 years), and arrested him (Rafah).
Table 5: Searches, Arrests, and Detentions Conducted by Palestinian Security Forces Total # of Location of arrests/detention (number of searches, Total # of Governorate Arrested/ number of arrests) – additional information Searches Detained Nablus Nablus City (1, 4), ‘Aqraba (1, 8) 2 12 Jenin Jenin City (1, 3) 1 3 Tulkarm Tulkarm City (1, 2) 1 2 Tubas Tubas City (1, 4), Tammun (1, 1) 2 5 H1 area of the City of Hebron (0, 7+)—during clashes in front of Hebron University following the prevention of a press Hebron 0 7+ conference by the Student Council denouncing the lack of student loans Total Week West Bank 6 29+ Gaza Strip North Gaza Jabaliya Camp (1,1) 1 1 Gaza Gaza City (0, 4)—PLO senior members during a protest 0 4 Al Bureij Camp (1, 20)—when a group of 700 Fatah Central Gaza 1 20 supporters demonstrated against Hamas Khan Younis Khan Younis (1, 7)—after a group of youngsters threw 1 7 stones at the ESF Rafah Rafah (1, 14)—All Fatah members; Rafah (1, 6)—All Fatah members during a house search operation in Bloc J; 4 33 Rafah (1, 6)—intervention to stop a family feud; Rafah (0, 7)—clash between the ESF and a local family Total Gaza Strip1 7 65 Total oPt 13 94+ 1 All were carried out by the Executive Support Force (ESF).
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Appendix: Checkpoints: 5 – 11 September 2007
Checkpoint Status Tulkarm: Ephraim Open from 0430 to 1900 hours Sunday to Thursday and 0430 to 1300 hours on Fridays for Palestinian workers and traders with permits to enter Israel. Kafriat Open 24 hours. It is divided into three parts: one that controls movement to and from Tulkarm town; one that controls movement to Israel; and one that controls movement to and from Jbara. Kafriat Tunnel / Ar Ras The checkpoint is controlling all traffic heading south from Tulkarm including residents of Jenin. From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards. ‘Anabta Located at the eastern entrance of Tulkarm on Road 57. From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards. Qalqiliya: Jaljoulia Open 24 hours. Access is only granted to holders of permits to enter Israel and residents of Ras Tira, Ad Dab’a, Wadi Ar Rasha, Ramadin and Arab Abu Farda. Ambulances from Qalqiliya town to these five villages need prior coordination with DCL. Only vehicles leaving the West Bank are subject to security checks. Qalqiliya North Open from 0400 to 1900 hours Sunday to Thursday and from 0400 to 1400 hours on Fridays for Palestinian permit holders. The checkpoint is used by Palestinian workers and merchants with permits to enter Israel. Jit Junction, Partial CP Located at the key junction connecting the governorates of Nablus, Qalqiliya and Tulkarm. Salfit: Open from 0600 to 1800 hours. The checkpoint controls movement between Ramallah and the villages in the western Salfit governorate. Deir Ballut From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards. Kafr Kasem Open 24 hours for UN, international organisations and Palestinians On Road 5. with permits to enter Israel. Nablus: Huwwara Open from 0600 to 2300 hours for humanitarian organisations and Southern main entrance Palestinian pedestrians. Israeli citizens can pass only after prior liaison with the IDF. Public transportation and private vehicles need permits to pass the checkpoint between 0600 and 2100 hours. Commercial trucks are not allowed to pass. From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards. Beit Iba Open from 0500 to 1930 hours for humanitarian organisations and Western entrance, mainly for Palestinians. Israeli citizens, Palestinian holders of Jerusalem IDs and trade holders of international passports can pass only following prior liaison with the IDF. Public transportation, commercial trucks, trucks carrying aggregates and private vehicles need permits to pass the checkpoint. From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards. On 9 September, it was closed for four hours. Al Tur Open from 0600 to 1800 hours from Sunday to Friday for Samaritans Southern checkpoint and 13 Palestinian non-Samaritan families living east of the connecting the Samaritan area checkpoint. of Jarzim with Nablus City One of the major linkages between Nablus and the Jordan Valley. Beit Furik Open 0530 to 2100 hours for villagers from Beit Furik and Beit Dajan. Eastern gate and checkpoint. All residents heading south have to enter Nablus and cross through
Nablus checkpoints. Shave Shomeron Closed since 15 August 2005 for Palestinians as well as for Northwest, main road to Jenin ambulances, UN and humanitarian organizations. For the latter category, the checkpoint was temporarily opened between 1 and 28 March 2007, after which it was re-closed. Za’atara (Tappouah) Open 24 hours. Controls Palestinian movement on Roads 60 and 505 South, main road to Ramallah southwards. From 5 to 7 September, an age restriction was imposed on Palestinian males and females aged 16 - 35 years that prevented them from traveling southwards.
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17’ ‘Asira ash Shamaliya As of 29 August, the IDF closed the checkpoint for all except (Closed) ambulances in emergency cases. On road leading to Nablus’s northern villages Yizhar, Partial CP Located north of Huwwara village on Road 60. Al Badhan, Partial CP Located on Road 57 leading to the Jordan Valley, Tubas and Jenin. Closed three times for two to three hours. Jenin: Al Jalama Is an entrance to Israel. Open between 0600 to 1930 hours Sunday to Thursday and 0700 to 1400 hours on Fridays. Imreiha (Reikhan) Open between 0500 to 2030 hours for Palestinians living in the Main gate to the Barta’a ash- enclave as well as UN and international organisations crossing in their Sharqiya/ Umm ar Rihan vehicles. Pedestrians can cross until 2200. 34 vehicles with their plate enclave numbers on a list at the checkpoint are allowed to transport foodstuff into the closed area behind the Barrier from 0500 to 1700. Other materials need prior coordination. Mevo Dotan (New) Open from 0700 to 1900 hours for all Palestinians. On Road 585 near Ya’bad Tubas: Bisan Located north of Tubas. Since 9 January, the checkpoint is officially Main entrance to Israel open from 1000 to 1800 hours Sunday through Thursday, 0600 to 1200 hours on Fridays, and closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Open for Palestinian merchants from the Jordan Valley and Jericho to export their agricultural produce into Israel via Bisan using the back- to-back system. Palestinians from the West Bank in possession of businessman cards, in addition to an Israeli permit, are allowed through this checkpoint into Israel. Palestinians working for international organisations continue to be prohibited from using Bisan checkpoint. Tayasir Previously the main road to Jordan, Tubas and Jenin. Officially open Gate to the Tubas eastern between 0300 and 2200 hours. As of 26 April, this checkpoint is now agricultural lands in the Jordan open for all Palestinians from the West Bank governorates. Access is Valley only permitted with public transportation as West Bank private vehicles continue to be prohibited. Commercial trucks are also able to cross. An Israeli permit to access the Jordan Valley via this checkpoint is no longer required. Delays were reported on a daily basis. Maale Efrayim Southeast connecting Jericho and Nablus. Officially open between Southeast connecting Jericho 0600 and 2200 hours. Closed for Palestinians unless they have a and Nablus Jordan Valley address on their ID cards or are in possession of an Israeli permit to allow them to be present in the Jordan Valley areas. The same restrictions apply to commercial trucks. Hamra Previously the main road to Jordan and Nablus. Officially open East, before closure regime between 0300 and 2200 hours. As of 26 April, the checkpoint is open main road to Jordan and for all West Bank Palestinians. Access is only permitted to commercial Nablus trucks and people traveling in public transportation. West Bank private vehicles continue to be prohibited. An Israeli permit to access the Jordan Valley via this checkpoint is no longer required. During the reporting period, verbal harassment by IDF soldiers manning the checkpoint was experienced by three farmers passing through the checkpoint. Ramallah/Al Bireh: Bet El/DCO Since 20 August the checkpoint has been in operation from 0600 to 2000 hours. Access in vehicles is reserved only for diplomats, foreign passport holders, UN staff, international humanitarian organisations, PRCS and PMRS ambulances, staff of the water and electricity companies and Palestinians with special work permits. Manned by IDF reserve soldiers. ‘Atara Bridge Manned by Border Police. No permits are required to cross the checkpoint. As of 1 December, random checks of Palestinian vehicles and IDs going through the checkpoint in both directions. Delays and traffic jams were reported on a daily basis due to the slow checking of vehicles by the Israeli Border Police. An Nabi Salih gate, Open. Partial CP At Tayba Manned by the IDF. Controls movement between Ramallah governorate and the Jordan Valley and is placed at the intersection between bypass Road 458 and Road 449 (Al Mu’arrajat road that connects Road 90 to Road 458). No permits are required to cross the checkpoint. Beginning on 1 July, the partial checkpoint has become a permanent one and there have been random checks of the vehicles and IDs of Palestinians crossing the checkpoint.
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Makkabim Usually open for Israelis, Jerusalem ID holders and foreign passport On Highway 443 holders. Road 443 is off-limits to West Bank Palestinians, except those with permits to enter Israel/Jerusalem. Ni’lin Open daily 24 hours for Israelis, Jerusalem ID holders, and foreign passport holders. Palestinian merchants with BMC cards, workers inside Israel, coordinated medical cases and holders of Israeli permits for personal needs are allowed through the checkpoint. Rantis Open daily 24 hours for Israelis and holders of Jerusalem IDs and foreign passports. West Bank Palestinians are not allowed to cross irrespective of their possession of permits to enter Israel. Jerusalem: Qalandiya Open for internationals, Jerusalem blue ID holders and Palestinians with West Bank IDs. Only drivers of vehicles and their family members are allowed through inside the vehicle. Passengers, both West Bank ID holders and Jerusalemites, have to cross through the pedestrian lanes. As of 10 December, Israeli private security guards are present at the checkpoint at a second line behind the IDF for extra random security checks. Hizma Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards and Eastern entrance of junction internationals. UN staff have been requested on several occasions to Road 437/Psigat Ze’ev show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. settlement Since 3 February 2006 West Bank Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to cross through this checkpoint unless they belong to one of the new ‘facilitated’ categories; Palestinians working in international organisations, medical staff, chronic patients, teachers and prominent businessmen (BMC Card holders). Az Za’ayyem Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs and internationals. North eastern entrance, on As this is not one of the four terminals into Jerusalem, West Bank Road 1 Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to cross unless they belong to one of the new ‘facilitated’ categories; Palestinians working in international organisations, medical staff, chronic patients, teachers and prominent businessmen (BMC Card holders). Ar Ram Open for internationals, diplomats, Palestinians working with Northern entrance, on Road 60 international organisations and residents of the southern part of Dahiyat al Bareed (soon to be within the Barrier) with their names and ID numbers registered on a list held at the checkpoint. As this is not one of the four terminals into Jerusalem West Bank Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to cross. The iron gate between Dahiyet al Bareed and Al-Ram was completely closed for the entire week. Vehicular traffic (including public transportation) has been driving through a gap in the wall (distant from the gate) that still exists between the two neighbourhoods. Bir Nabala / Atarot Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, and Northern entrance on Road Palestinians with valid permits and internationals. UN staff have been 404 /45 Road Atarot Junction requested on several occasions to show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Ramot Alon Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards and North western entrance on internationals. UN staff requested on several occasions to show Road 436 personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Shu’fat Refugee Camp/ Open 24 hours for Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs and UN and Anata Checkpoint international organisations; Palestinians from the West Bank need a permit. West Bank vehicles are not allowed. Commercial trucks are not allowed through this checkpoint unless the merchandise itself is from Shu’fat camp. All other commercial trucks from the West Bank must use Beituniya checkpoint. Container (“Wadi nar”) Open for all Palestinian vehicles without permits and for internationals. East of Abu Dis, main transit Israeli yellow-plated cars are not allowed to cross. between north and south West Bank Ras Abu Sbeitan (Olive) Open 24 hours. Access is permitted for Jerusalem ID holders, North eastern entrance on Palestinians holding West Bank IDs and valid permits, and Road 1 internationals with valid Israeli visas (all pedestrians). No vehicles are allowed to cross. Abu Dis Closed. Access only for military and Barrier construction contractors. Between Abu Dis and Ras al ‘Amoud Lazarus Closed. Access only for military and Barrier construction contractors. Bir Nabala / Rafat / Masyion This checkpoint has been moved further north on the new Israeli-built On the new road between Rafat road and is closer to the Ramallah neighbourhood of Masyion. Rafat and Bir Nabala village Jaba’ Between Jaba' Junction Random checks by the IDF soldiers. and Qalandiya CP
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Atarot/Al Kawasmi This checkpoint has become a permanent checkpoint and constantly manned. Jericho: DCO Open daily 24 hours. No permits required for Jericho residents and Main checkpoint off Road 1 foreign passports and Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards. As of 14 September 2006, West Bank ID holders need permits to leave Jericho via the DCO (exceptions apply for Palestinians employed by international organisations, humanitarian workers, residents of Abu Dis, Ash Sheikh Sa'd, Al 'Eizariya, Az Za'ayyem, As Sawahira, and residents of Bethlehem and Hebron). All vehicles including public taxis and commercial trucks have to have checkpoint permits to exit Jericho via this checkpoint unless they have Jericho or Jerusalem registration. Al Auja (Yitav) Open 24 hours for Palestinians living in Jericho Governorate. On Road 90 Palestinians non-residents of Jericho and hold West Bank IDs going north towards al Auja and the Jordan Valley area are prohibited though unless they hold Israeli permits to allow them access to the area. No permit required for those travelling to Ramallah. Gate opposite Allenby Gate manned by the IDF but remains closed. Soldiers open the gate Checkpoint off Road 90 only for shuttle busses taking Palestinians to Jordan via Allenby Border crossing. An Nwemeh, Partial CP Open. The checkpoint leads to al Mu’arrajat road, which is the only North Jericho road out of Jericho for residents of Ramallah and the northern West Bank. The Dead Sea Located on Road 90 alongside the Dead Sea. Open 24 hours daily for Israelis, Jerusalem ID holders, and holders of foreign passports. Access to the Dead Sea area is prohibited for Palestinians with West Bank IDs, except those with permits to work in Israeli settlements. Bethlehem : Gilo (Rachel’s Tomb) Manned by the Israeli Border Police. Open 24 hours for humanitarian Terminal at north entrance to organisations, diplomats, Jerusalem ID holders and Palestinians with Bethlehem leading to valid permits. West Bank Palestinians (including those working for the Jerusalem UN and other international agencies) have to walk through the terminal to undergo search procedures. Jerusalem ID holders passing into Bethlehem are being asked to prove that they reside in areas falling within Jerusalem boundaries. Yellow-plated tourist buses are allowed to enter Bethlehem only if driven by an Arab Israeli. Palestinians holding valid work permits can access East Jerusalem and Israel through this checkpoint. During the reporting period Palestinian workers from the Governorates of Bethlehem and Hebron holding valid work permits were obliged to stay overnight at Gilo checkpoint in order to cross and be on time to reach their work places inside Israel. An Nu’man Manned by the Israeli Border Police. Only Palestinians living in the On the main entrance of village, listed vehicles and drivers of service providers are allowed Khallet an Nu’man from Beit through. Extended family members are not allowed to visit Palestinian Sahur side residents. International organisations wishing to enter the village are required to hold a permit, show their organisation's ID and their national IDs and/or passports. As of 31 August, the checkpoint is open to settlers between 0600 hours and 1800 hours to allow them to travel on the newly opened Jerusalem-Gush Herodion Highway. Ein Yalow Manned by the Israeli Border Police and open 24 hours for Israeli- Bypass road east of Walaja, on plated cars and international organisations only. Commercial trucks Green Line also are allowed to go through. Beit Jala DCO, Partial CP Rarely-manned. Open 24 hours and movement is allowed in both Entrance to Beit Jala directions for all vehicles. Tunnels Open 24 hours and since 23 February manned by the Israeli Border Road 60 at Har Gilo Police and private security firm staff. Open for international humanitarian organisations although local staff are being requested to show their local IDs with a valid entry permit in order to proceed into Jerusalem. Palestinians with permits are not allowed to cross and are redirected to Gilo checkpoint. The checkpoint is still used by Jerusalem ID holders. Commercial trucks are only allowed to go through between 1100 and 1600 hours. Palestinian ambulances use the back-to-back system to send Palestinian patients to hospitals in East Jerusalem or Israel. Currently, there are six lanes leading to the Tunnels Terminal, four of which lead north from Road 60 into Jerusalem while the other two lead from Jerusalem to the south. Settlers’ Checkpoint – Efrata Open 24 hours. Checkpoint manned by Israeli settlers and there are restrictions on the movement of Palestinians beyond it. Gush Etzion Open 24 hours. IDF soldiers checking northbound vehicles. Private On Road 60, at Etzion turn Palestinian plated cars can pass.
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Wadi Fukin Open 24 hours for Israelis and staff of international organisations. Crossing to Israel on Road 375, Green Line Al Jab’a Open 24 hours for Israelis and staff of international organisations. Crossing to Israel on Road Land levelling is ongoing to enlarge the checkpoint. 367, Green Line Ein Gedi Open 24 hours; restricted for Palestinian movement. On Road 90, along Dead Sea Hebron : Beit Awwa, Partial CP Crossing along Road 354. Manned by the Israeli Border Police. The At entrance to Negohot checkpoint is currently open 24 hours with occasional ID checks. settlement, on Road 354 However, it has been reported by MSF (Médecins Sans Frontier/Doctors Without Borders) that thorough checks and maltreatment have been experienced by staff especially while trying to reach Palestinian families living along the road leading to the settlement of Negohot. On 7 September, an MSF team was prevented from reaching Palestinian families beyond the checkpoint after waiting for 49 minutes. Repeated phone calls to the Israeli DCL were unsuccessful and the team was obliged to go back to its base in Hebron City. Tarqumiya Workers are usually allowed to cross from 0500 to 1700 hours. The Entrance for commercial goods back-to-back section is open from 0700 to 1700 hours; goods are (back-to-back), west of Hebron moving across smoothly and all cargo is checked by the IDF Military on Road 35 for both Hebron Police. ‘Family visits’ coordinated by ICRC for Palestinians detained in and Bethlehem governorates Israel were carried out as normal through this checkpoint. Meitar Manned by the Israeli Border Police and open between 0500 and Crossing to Israeli. Road 60 1900 hours. Checks are conducted using palm identification. on the Green Line Palestinian workers with valid permits are permitted to cross. However, during the current reporting period, it was reported that Palestinian workers holding valid permits to work in Israel were sleeping overnight at the checkpoint to ensure for themselves a reasonable chance of accessing Israel. Shani Manned by the IDF. Only Israeli plated cars are allowed to cross. At turn for Shani settlement on Palestinian workers cannot use the checkpoint to access Israel. Road 317 Beit Yatir Open 24 hours and manned by the IDF. The checkpoint is restricting On Road 316, at the turn for the movement of Palestinians living south of it next to the settlement Imneizel of Beit Yatir. The Terminal is operational and the checkpoint was pushed back behind the roundabout. Currently Palestinians living in the nearby village of Imneizil can access their village without having to cross the checkpoint. Prayers Road, H2 Closed to Palestinians. During the reporting period, both Israeli Access to area of Ibrahimi settlers and IDF soldiers prevented Palestinian residents from Mosque accessing this road. Shohada street, H2 Open to Palestinians living beyond it and in the Tel Rumeida area. Western entrance to Shohada Access possible only on foot. Palestinians and internationals have to street go through a mobile metal detector. Ibrahimi Mosque, H2 Worshippers and visitors are searched upon entry. Residents living in Access to the Mosque the vicinity of the Mosque must hold a special permit to gain access to their homes. Bab Al Baladiyye , H2 The checkpoint is closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of Next to settlement of Beit Shohada Street and a new gate has been installed across the road Romano blocking physical access towards it. Qarantina, H2 Closed to Palestinians. Entry point for Palestinian fire trucks and Junction with Shohada Street ambulances. No longer allowed for the use of international humanitarian organisations, though the TIPH have reported being able to use it. Bab Al-Khan, H2 Closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of Shohada Street and Entrance to Avraham Avinu north toward the market. Tel Rumeida, H2 Open only to Palestinians travelling on foot living between the Beginning of street leading to checkpoint and the settlement. A military order was issued on 17 July settlement 2006 that declared the area beyond the checkpoint as a "Closed Area" barring the entry of anyone beyond the checkpoint except Israeli citizens, IDF and Israeli Police or those with an IDF-issued permit. Al Kasaba, H2 Permanent checkpoint which filters Palestinian movement from the Exit from the Kasaba, old city Kasaba area directed to the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Movement is (Tomb of the Patriarchs) segregated for incoming and outgoing movement. Palestinians exiting Kasaba are processed through a combination of turnstiles, allowing one person at a time to pass, and a metal detector. The process is slow and problematic during Friday prayers. Abu Rish, H2 Manned by the IDF. The only official access point for international
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Near the Abu Rish Mosque at organisations into the Old City of Hebron. Palestinians have to go the end of Al Shohada St. through a mobile metal detector. On 7 September, an MSF team was delayed for 35 minutes before being allowed entry into the H2 area and after having made repeated phone calls to the Israeli DCL. Ar Ramadin Manned by the Israeli Border Police. All Palestinians with Ar Ramadin At the entrance to Ar Ramadin address are allowed to cross after an ID check. The checkpoint also village from Road 325 restricts the movement of Palestinians and Arab Israelis on Road 325. During the reporting period, teachers who are not residents of Ar Ramadin but are teaching at Ar Ramadin schools were prevented and/or delayed at the checkpoint; the Israeli Border Police manning the checkpoint contended that the teachers were not residents of the village and, thus, cannot go through the checkpoint. Halhul – Sa’ir, Partial CP Located on the junction between the two towns on Road 60. At the entrance to Halhul (also Monitored from the nearby observation tower. called ‘Nabi Younis’ CP) Al Fawwar, Partial CP On Road 60. Monitored from the nearby observation tower. Al Fawwar-Dura junction Tarqumiya – Idhna, On Road 35. Manned on a temporary basis by the Israeli Border Partial CP Police. Ras Al Joura, Partial CP Near the junction between Road 35 and Road 60. Manned on a temporary basis by the IDF. Gaza Crossings/Chekpoints Erez crossing Erez was open all week for Palestinian traders as well as for the movement of diplomats, international humanitarian workers, and critical medical cases with special coordination arrangements. However, since 4 July and for the first time since 12 June, a very limited number of senior Palestinian businessmen were permitted to cross Erez to Israel and the West Bank. Appendix for daily log of movement is based on estimated figures due to the absence of staff at the Palestinian DCL at the present time:
This week, Erez was open for people with special coordination arrangements: • 09 September: 74 medical cases, 86 Palestinians with special coordination, and 61 businessmen crossed into Israel. • 10 September: Erez was open for people with special coordination – ~160 Palestinians, including students and those holding residency permits in Arab countries, crossed out of Gaza through Erez via Nitzana to Egypt.
The crossing remains closed for Palestinian workers since 12 March 2006. Rafah Passenger Terminal Rafah crossing was closed all week. It was last open on 9 June. Commercial checkpoints: Tulkarm/Qalqiliya
Taybeh An Israeli private company has the responsibility of controlling the checkpoint. The back-to-back system has been operational for goods traffic from 0800 to 1600 hours Sunday to Thursday and closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Nablus Awarta checkpoint Open from 0600 to 1800 hours, Sunday to Thursday, Friday from Main commercial checkpoint in 0600 to 1400 hours and closed on Saturday. About 120 commercial Nablus since July 2003 trucks have permits to pass the checkpoint; all other loads must be transferred from one truck to another (the back-to-back system). Jenin Al Jalama Open between 0800 to 1600 hours Sunday to Thursday and 0700 to Main commercial checkpoint 1200 hours on Fridays. Ramallah/Al Bireh Beituniya Officially open between 0700 to 1700 hours Sunday to Thursday, Back-to-back checkpoint 0700 to 1300 hours on Fridays and closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Open for commercial goods and a back-to-back system is in operation. Only Palestinians holding Jerusalem IDs and driving Israeli yellow-plated trucks are allowed to pass through this checkpoint without using the back-to-back system, but only if the bill of lading stipulates Kafr ‘Aqab and/or Sameeramees as offloading destinations. This checkpoint is not open for private cars or pedestrians. As of 1 July, UN staff and diplomats are not allowed to cross as it has become solely open for the movement of goods.
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Hebron Tarqumiya Entrance for commercial goods (back-to-back), west of Hebron on Road 35 for both Hebron and Bethlehem governorates .The back-to- back section is open from 0700 to 1700 hours; goods are moving across smoothly and all cargo is checked by the IDF Military Police. Gaza Strip Karni The conveyor belt operated for two days to transfer grains and Animal Feed into Gaza (6 and 11 September). However, It remained general closed for all other items and for exports. Karni crossing has generally been closed since 12 June. Sufa This week, Sufa crossing was open on all five scheduled operating days for the import of non-aggregate materials. On 7 and 8 September, it was closed for the weekend. Kerem Shalom Kerem Shalom was open on four days for the crossing of commercial and humanitarian goods. On 7, 8, and 11 September, the crossing was closed. On 11 September, the IDF stated that the crossing was closed for security reasons. Nahal Oz Energy Nahal Oz energy pipelines were open on six scheduled operating Pipelines days. On Saturday, 8 September they were closed for the weekend. - End -
OCHA Weekly Report: 5 – 11 September 2007 | 19
Method and Sources The information used to compile these Briefing Notes comes from a range of sources with a field presence in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The accuracy of the reported information is ensured through the corroboration of reports by two additional sources. Typically, the OCHA Field Coordination Unit (FCU) receives an initial incident report from a source, which is verified through visits to the incident site in addition to further corroboration with a third source, such as an NGO. In addition, OCHA FCU collects military orders as documentary evidence and provides information on incidents witnessed in person. In the interests of timeliness and readability, the sources are not listed for each incident within the texts of the report. Listed below are the sources relied upon each week in compiling this Briefing: - Physical protection: OCHA FCU, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), World Health Organization (WHO), Israel Defence Forces (IDF) website, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), offices of Palestinian Authority (PA) governors, Palestinian District Civilian Liaison (DCL). - Shelter and property: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL. - Natural Resources: OCHA FCU, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL, Village Councils, Land Defence Committee and Land Research Centre. - Access for Medical Assistance: OCHA FCU, WHO, PRCS, Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), UN World Food Programme, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UNRWA. - Access and Movement for Civilians: Sources: Palestinian DCL, Christian Peacemakers Team (CPT). - Curfews: OCHA FCU, Village Councils, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL. - Access to Education: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, UNICEF, Palestinian DCL, Village Councils. - Access to Employment: UNRWA, United Nations Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East (UNSCO), Palestinian Ministry of Labour (MoL), Palestinian DCL, Palestinian Chamber of Commerce, Israeli DCL. - Closures/Movement Restrictions: OCHA FCU, UNRWA. - Additional Protection issues: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), UNSCO, Palestinian DCLs, Palestinian Governors’ offices, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, IDF.